Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn

Book description:

 Caught in a mountain blizzard…

with a child to protect.

After Marielle Coleman’s foster son witnesses his mother’s murder, he becomes a killer’s next target. Escaping into a raging Montana snowstorm, Marielle and her little boy hide at a remote camp—and unexpectedly reunite with her ex-fiancé, Graham Flynn, an undercover DEA agent. Now Graham and Marielle must put aside their distrust to save the child from dangerous pursuers. But Graham’s still hiding secrets from Marielle…ones that could tie them all to a conspiracy that will end their lives.

My review:
  One of my favorite tropes in Christian fiction is reunited lovers. Years before, Graham had broken their engagement for reasons he thought best for Marielle. Towards the end of the book Graham admitted he didn't think he had fit with her because there was no long line of Christian heritage in his family as in hers. She replied that there are no grandchildren in God's family. I like that.

 I also love books with kids in, and especially when that kid is in danger and in need of protection. In this story, the bad guys are after little Ian because of what and who he had witnessed during a crime. The author did an excellent job on the suspense as the bad guy chased Graham, Marielle, and Ian all over a camp. 

Characters are an important part of a story, and this book had some very likable ones, bad guys aside. Graham, looking forward to some solitude, but setting that aside to protect his ex-fiancée and the little boy she is fostering. Maribelle, determined to protect little Ian, no matter what. And last, but not least, Ian. 

I have read several of this author's books, but this may be my favorite of the ones I have read. 

Special thanks to the author for an review copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
After 26 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She now lives with three nearly grown children, a nervous border collie and two cats.

Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers.

Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her Web site: SharonDunnbooks.net

Uncovering the Truth, Canine Defense #3 by Carol Post

Book description: 

A trail of threats…

and a K-9 to shield them.

When Alyssa Anderson stumbles upon her ex-boyfriend’s illegal art theft operation, she goes on the run—and narrowly escapes a drive-by shooting. With the help of her high school sweetheart, Spencer Cavanaugh, and his service dog, Apollo, Alyssa tries to stay one step ahead of her ex who will do anything to find her. When hit men are sent to her hometown, Alyssa’s life is in more danger than ever before. Can Spencer and Apollo protect her from a crime ring more sinister than they ever imagined?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:
   I always enjoy the mini series that Love Inspired Suspense does. They are often by multiple authors, but this trilogy is by the same author. I don't think there is a Love Inspired author whose total book list I have read - there are a ton of Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense novels out there. 

 This is the third and final book in this trilogy. I admit I wasn't too crazy about Alyssa. The other two books were about her two sisters, and they were much more likable....but she did improve over the course of the story.

 Now Spencer, the male hero of the story, was completely likable. Former military with PSTD and an awesome service dog. I always like it when the hero of the story isn't perfect. I found myself YouTubing a couple songs he sang to the accompaniment of his guitar. 

The suspense and plot were well done and had me glued to the book. There was a surprise at to what was really going on. No spoilers, but it was so much bigger and worse than Alyssa thought she knew. 

There was a great ending, and the guy does get the girl. Again. :) I really enjoyed this trilogy, and this book was a great ending to it. 

Special thanks to the author for an review copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol's résumé reads as if she doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She started as a child writing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles and finally novels.

Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida and writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Her books have received a 2016 Royal Palm Literary Award and been nominated for a 2016 RITA® award and a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She is also a popular speaker, presenting workshops on a variety of craft topics. Besides writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly-spoiled dachshund.

Check out her website: CarolJPost.com

                                                                         Book #1

Book #2

The Novice Ranch Hand, Ford Family Ranch #1 by June Foster

Book description: 

Peyton Langley can no longer dwell on what he left behind in the jungles of Peru. Seeking a new life, Peyton answers an ad in the Texas Rancher's Journal for a job at the prominent Ford Sheep Ranch in Central Texas. Only problem, he knows nothing about ranching.

Erika Ford runs the Ford family sheep ranch in the hill country of Central Texas along with her father and two brothers. She wants to keep the legacy of the Ford ranch alive after her father retires. When a new ranch hand shows up, she pulls a gun on him believing him to be an intruder.

Erika suspects Peyton is hiding a mysterious past, but what? Can she discover the family secret her father keeps from her?

My review:
   This is a book I put on my to-read shelf and forgot about, and remembered today that I had not read it yet. I have read most of this author's books, and I think this is her best one yet. 

 I loved the setting of the story: a sheep ranch. A couple of the characters were not that likable at first - here's looking at you Jace and Charlotte - but the rest of the cast of characters were very likable, especially Peyton, Erika, Chet, and Pete.

The book focused more on Peyton, the hero of the story more than Erika, the female lead, which I liked. So many Christian fiction books tend to be geared towards women and center more of the story on a female character, so I liked the fact that the story was more about him. 

 Plot-wise, the book was also great. Peyton kept his past secret from everyone for most of the book, and a lot of the story was about his coming to peace from what had happened. He didn't seem to struggle with his faith, though he did have to forgive.

 And I loved the parts of the book about Chet and Pete, and Peyton's new mission in life to have a ranch for boys like them. 

 I really enjoyed this book, and read it in one evening. Looking forward to more in this series. 

Special thanks to the author for an review copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She's published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller

 

Book description:

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

My review:
  This is the second suspense novel by Zeller, who mostly writes historical romances. I thought the first book in this series, Unexpected Witness, was better, but this one was still a great read. I do love a good amnesia story.

  Loved the plot and the characters. In my not so humble opinion, kids add a lot to a story, and this one had two great and likable kids in it. That aspect of the story also added a lot when it came to protecting the family from the bad guys.

 The suspense aspect gets an A+. The author did a great job with an amnesiac character who had no idea if he was a good guy or a bad guy. The reader of course has insight Grant does not have, knowing he is a police detective. 

  The story is a somewhat slow story, but still interesting, for most of the book. Towards the end is when everything is ramped up. And the book has a terrific ending.

 Hoping the author keeps writing both genre's.

The books in this series can be read in any order.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement.

Check out the first book: